Body found in Sterling appears to be missing Fitchburg boy

STERLING — District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said the body found in Sterling this morning appears to be that of Jeremiah Oliver, the missing Fitchburg boy. Positive ID is pending, he said.

Mr. Early said the body was in a "wrapped condition" and was visible to searchers. He said someone would have had to pull off the highway to put the body in the spot where it was found.

Authorities located the body this morning; Mr. Early did not specify what led authorities to the area.

The DA said he could not release many details beyond saying the height and weight is consistent with Jeremiah Oliver.

Mr. Early discussed the case during a 10-minute press conference outside the Worcester County Courthouse. Acting Fitchburg Police Chief Philip J. Kearns Jr. was among the officials on hand.

Gov. Deval L. Patrick this afternoon issued a statement on the grim discovery.

"What we know right now is that a young child has died, and that his body has been disposed of in a heartless way. As we await news about the child's identity, as governor and as a parent, I feel a deep sadness," the governor said.

An extensive search took place this morning in a wooded area off Interstate 190 south near the Route 12 interchange.

A police source says a small body was found. A medical examiner was summoned to the scene.

In recent months, authorities have been searching woods throughout the Fitchburg area as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Jeremiah Oliver, the missing 5-year-old Fitchburg boy.

At noon today, there were more than two dozen police vehicles at the edge of I-190, just south of the Route 12 interchange (exit 6).

A canopy was set up less than 100 yards off the road. I-190 is down to one lane.

District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. is on the scene.

In Worcester early this afternoon, Sandrino Oliver, an uncle of the missing boy, said he was unaware of any developments in the search for his nephew. He said his information is coming from news reports.

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Linda Bock, Tom Rettig, George Barnes and Paula Owen of the Telegram & Gazette staff contributed to this report.